When Angels Cry

by Marylu Tyndall

  Daniel would take what he could get. Besides, it would give him a chance to warn her about these fanatics. If she didn’t break off with them, she and her son would end up in jail.

  Chapter 8

  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

  1 John 2:16 (NKJV)

  The last thing Angelica wanted to do was have lunch with Daniel Cain. But she had seen the way he’d squirmed throughout the entire church service, had heard his groans, watched as he squeezed the bridge of his nose and shook his head, and she thought perhaps this would be an opportunity to discuss what had transpired—to open his eyes to the truth. But now as his Porsche pulled into a driveway long enough to be a football field and parked before a mansion, she regretted accepting his invitation.

  She parked behind him and met him as he leapt from his car and slammed the door.

  “Where are we?” she demanded.

  He gestured toward the two-story villa towering before them. “My home.”

  “I thought we were going to lunch.”

  “We are. But I can’t very well take a lady out looking like this.” He gestured to the syrupy mess on his pants. “I’ll only be a minute.” Then, at what must have been a look of horror on her face, he reached for her hand. “Don’t worry, Angel. No sinister intentions. Come in for a sec while I change.” He gave her his most charming grin…complete with that irresistible dimple, and she found herself unwittingly agreeing.

  The house was right out of the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous magazine. Her entire apartment would fit in the entranceway alone. Everything was decorated to perfection, from the elaborately carved crown molding to the marble floors in which Angelica could see her reflection, to the original oil paintings, luxurious furniture, sparkling glass-top tables, and a flat-screen that took up an entire wall. And that was just the living area. An open kitchen stood off to the side, bigger than her bedroom, looking like it had never been used. And best of all, the entire back wall was one giant sliding glass door that opened to a lush backyard. A waterfall spilled from a man-made cliff into a pool that was surrounded with tropical plants and flowers. Over the back hedge, the beach extended to a glistening sea.

  “So this is how the other half lives,” she commented as he tossed his keys onto the counter and slid the glass doors open.

  He flinched as if she’d insulted him. “I’ll only be a minute. Make yourself at home.” Then he was gone, the tap of his shoes echoing over the marble.

  Drawing in a deep breath of gardenias and the sea, Angelica wandered out to the pool. With its black bottom, figure-eight shape, and cascading waterfall, it looked like a hidden pond on a tropical island, and she longed to dive in. Instead, she settled for kicking off her shoes, rolling up her jeans, and sitting at the edge with her feet in the water.

  “What am I doing here, Father?” She sighed. If she were truthful, it was Thomas’ threat that had forced her to see Daniel again, not God’s prompting. Something for which she’d already repented. She’d been so angry at Thomas’ arrogance, at his demand to leave Daniel alone…well, suffice it to say, it seemed she still had a bit of pride. Regardless, it was a good thing, right? Not the pride, but Daniel coming to her home church.

  She kicked her feet through the warm water, hoping it would sooth her nerves. Father, help me know what to say.

  “It’s relaxing out here.” Daniel’s voice startled her and she turned to see him wearing camo Bermuda shorts and a white T-shirt that left none of his muscular physique to the imagination. The sun, high in the sky, shone from behind his head, blurring his features, and for a split-second, it was twelve years ago, and he was the boy she had given everything to—soul, heart, and body. Settling her breath, she snapped her gaze back to the pool as he sat down beside her.

  Too close. So close she could smell his aftershave, feel the warmth of his body. What had they been talking about? Oh, yeah, his relaxing backyard. “Reminds me of what heaven will be like,” she finally muttered.

  He gave her a look, as if that were the oddest thing to say, before he cleared his throat. “Speaking of, I’m a little ticked at you for inviting me to an illegal gathering.”

  “It’s not illegal in the eyes of God.”

  He raised his brows. “God says to obey the laws of the land. You could all be arrested as a terrorist group. Not to mention what would happen to my career if I’d been caught with you.”

  “I’m sorry. I should have told you.” Though she knew he wouldn’t have gone if she had. “I wanted you to see what…my church is like.”

  “You call that chaos ‘church’?” He snorted and leaned back on his palms, lifting his face to the breeze. “Listen, Angel. You know I care about you. And because of that, I need to tell you that you’ve gotten yourself involved in a cult.”

  Scooting away, she glared at him. “How can you say that? Everything that happened there was biblical. Have you read the book of Acts lately?”

  He gave a haughty snort. “You ask me that?”

  Flattening her lips, she looked away. This was not going well. “I’m talking about the original book of Acts, not the watered-down version.”

  The crash of waves sounded in the distance as a colorful bird landed on a tree branch above them and began warbling a tune. When he didn’t respond, she turned to him, lifting an eyebrow.

  “All that hocus-pocus spirit stuff stopped with the apostles. Minds far greater than ours taught me that in seminary.” His eyes grew serious. “And since I haven’t seen anything to the contrary in the twenty years I’ve been a Christian, I’m sticking to that.”

  A breeze tore in from the sea, styling his hair in a dozen directions, and sweeping away her anger.

  “I have a gift of prophecy,” she said. “I see visions and have dreams, often about the future.”

  He chuckled, but stopped when she glared at him. “Sorry. I guess I’m one of those guys who has to see to believe.”

  “But you believe in Jesus and don’t see Him.”

  “That’s different.”

  “I don’t see how.” She flung her hand through the air. “There’s an invisible realm all around us, filled with good and evil spirits battling over kingdoms, a place more real than this one. Who are we to limit what God can do through us?”

  Tipping his head, he gave her a placating smile. “You certainly have changed, Angel. What a party girl you were back in the day. Remember how I used to tell you all the time to give your life to Jesus?”

  She chuckled and swept her feet through the water. “And I would tell you to quit shoving your religious crap on me.”

  “Yeah. But in much more colorful language, if I recall.”

  She smiled sadly. Memories returned of how she had made fun of him for being a goodie-two-shoes and for believing in fables from thousands of years ago. But Daniel had never been put off, never gotten angry. He had only loved her all the more. Even after they’d slept together, he had not blamed her, though she’d thought it was perfectly natural. But as the weeks passed, she could tell he felt guilty, like he had betrayed his God. So, when he insisted they stop, she agreed and loved him all the more for his morals and convictions. He even promised to marry her.

  Until he discovered it would ruin his future.

  Yes, she had definitely changed, but so had he. But she wouldn’t tell him that. She wanted him to see for himself how far he had drifted from the true God.

  “But didn’t you feel the presence of God—His Holy Spirit—today at Scottie’s?” She knew he had. She’d sensed the battle going on within him. Even now, as she sought the Spirit, a pair of red eyes appeared, slithering around Daniel, firing hatred her way.

  Father, help him to see.

  ♦♦♦

  “Nice home,” Baliel said to Nazare as they stood on the other side of the pool, watching the couple.

  “Indeed. But he is hardly ever here. In truth, even with all this
luxury, he’s lonely, and I fear the huge house only reminds him of that.”

  “Sad. When will humans learn that such trivial possessions never satisfy?”

  Nazare shook his head. “After nearly seven thousand years, my guess is that only God can teach them that. And only when they receive His Spirit.”

  Baliel smiled and gestured toward Angelica and Daniel. “These two still have a connection. See the way their souls reach for each other.”

  “I’m sure you remember their past. Though immoral in their actions, they developed real love for one another.”

  “So rare among humans these days. She cried for over a year after he left her.” Baliel remembered too well the agony she suffered, especially before she received the Father’s comfort.

  “Which is why she still fights the Father’s will.”

  “Yes, but she’s here.” Baliel defended her. “And she’s trying to lead him back to the Father. See how the light flows from her mouth and showers over him.”

  Nazare nodded. “Indeed. I pray she succeeds. I, too, have appealed to the Father for such. It is too much to bear watching his chains tighten day after day.”

  “But you must. And you must be strong. We are not to become overly entangled with them.”

  Nazare gripped the hilt of his sword. “Ah, the battle commences. Behold, the demons rise.”

  Baliel glanced toward Daniel where a horde of dark spirits began spinning around him, eyes flaring, claws extended. One was wrapping a thick chain around Daniel’s head. “Aye, he’s wavering. Something she said has made him question his beliefs.”

  “Be ready, my friend.” Nazare’s fingers itched to draw his sword.

  “I am. But only when the Father commands.” Baliel drew a golden dagger, excitement buzzing through him. “See? The light begins to pierce the darkness.”

  Chapter 9

  Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.

  1 Timothy 4:1 (NKJV)

  Angelica waited for Daniel’s answer, watching the battle raging behind his eyes. He had sensed the Spirit at church today. She knew it. How could anyone not have? His presence had been so strong, so sweet and powerful. Even the angels she’d seen about the place had been singing and dancing along with her friends. Now, if she could only get Daniel to admit it, maybe she could get an inroad into further discussion.

  “You did feel the Holy Spirit,” she finally said.

  Daniel looked down and sighed. “Sorry, Angel. The only thing I felt was uncomfortable.” Before she could answer and before he could see the frown on her face, he hopped up. “I’ll get us something to drink. Iced tea?”

  She nodded and watched the wind stir ripples over the water, feeling like she was banging her head against the flat stones that surrounded the pool. Strongholds. At least that’s what the Bible called the fortresses of deception the enemy erected in human minds to block out the truth. But what to do?

  He returned with two glasses and handed her one before he sat beside her again. The scent of his Aqua Velva drifted over her, and she smiled, wondering why he would wear such cheap cologne when he had so much money. He swiped a hand through his thick, gorgeous hair…oh, how she had always loved his hair. But it had been longer and sun-bleached when she knew him. A flaxen-haired surfer dude who loved God with all his heart.

  The sun sizzled on her skin, and she leaned over to splash water on her arms and neck. “You used to love the Word of God, Daniel. How can you use that new version?”

  “All they took out was the hateful stuff. The message of the gospel is still in there, and that’s what matters, isn’t it?” He sipped his tea.

  “You mean hateful stuff like people need to actually repent, there’s a real hell, and there will come a judgment day?”

  Though her tone was snarky, he merely smiled. “That’s all implied in the gospel message. No need to scare people. I mean that stuff about homosexuals, couples living together before marriage, alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, even simple liars and gossips all going to hell—those scare tactics only keep people away and make them hate us.” He raised a brow above eyes full of conviction and kindness. “And isn’t it the role of the church to bring more people in? To be more inclusive and not exclusive? Didn’t Jesus love everyone?”

  Angelica could see why this guy won over so many people. Not only was he handsome and charming, but words flowed from his mouth like honey—sweet to the taste and easy on the ears. And if one didn’t know better, they made perfect sense.

  A green bird with bluish wings joined his friend on a palm branch and both began conversing in melodic tune. Angelica wondered what they were saying, or maybe they were just laughing at the two foolish humans below.

  “Of course, Jesus loves everyone.” Wind brushed a strand of hair in her face and she eased it behind her ear. “But once they receive Him as Lord of their lives, they aren’t supposed to purposely continue doing things He says not to. We all screw up now and then, but we aren’t supposed to intentionally continue to live in sin. God is very serious about this.” She proceeded to quote from Corinthians, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”

  He shuddered. “Wow. I can see why they took that one out. It flies in the face of the message of Christ’s love and His free gift of salvation to all. It’s all about grace, Angel. Not works. We can’t earn our way to God. So why scare people away?”

  “No, we can’t earn God’s grace, but once we receive it, it should change us. Our lives should clearly show that we are truly God’s children. There’s no such thing as a gospel that doesn’t change you, Daniel.” She pursed her lips, thinking. “Here’s another verse they took out of your changed Bible, ‘No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.’”

  He chuckled. “But that’s the thing, Angel. This is why lay people like yourself shouldn’t try to interpret Scripture.” He set down his cup. “Have you committed a sin after you were born of God?”

  “Of course. We all do.”

  “Then, obviously, that’s not what John was referring to in this passage.”

  She repressed a growl. “That’s not what I’m saying. He’s talking about continual, purposeful sinning.”

  “Listen, why don’t you leave the sermons to the experts?” He smiled and patted her hand. “Isn’t it obvious from the number of people my church draws in that I’m doing something right? Millions across the world are hearing the gospel.”

  Those gorgeous blue eyes of his stared at her with such sincerity, she had a hard time being angry at his arrogance.

  Setting down her tea, she gripped his hand. “But my concern is what gospel and what Jesus are you actually presenting?”

  His face scrunched. “The same one from the Bible. Listen, I don’t want to argue theology with you. But in hindsight, I’m glad you invited me to your church. It’s given me an opportunity to warn you.” He squeezed her hand. “Please, Angel, I beg you, break it off with these crazies before it’s too late.”

  Angelica’s stomach clenched in defeat. “You won’t report us?”

  “Not as long as you and Isaac are there. But surely you know that religious nutjobs like that are turning people away from God, not drawing them close.”

  She studied him, wondering how he’d become so deceived. Sorrow weighed her down when she saw the desperation lingering behind his gaze. He was searching for something, answers, truth, something to cling to. The problem was, he had no idea he was even looking.

  He smiled. “I guess I promised you lunch, didn’t I?”

  “I�
�m not hungry.” Picking up her tea, she sipped it. Sweet, just like she liked it. “It’s fun catching up.”

  “Is it?” He raised a brow and chuckled. “Seems like we are just arguing.”

  Which is why she was going to change tactics. She glanced over her luxurious surroundings. “So, why haven’t you married, Daniel? I’m sure women must be falling at your feet.”

  There came that grin again—boyish, devilish, and charming all mixed together. But then he grew serious and ran a finger down her hand. “Haven’t found the right woman yet.”

  She pulled away, sorry when she made him frown.

  He picked up his cup. “How about you?”

  “Not many men want to take on a child. Besides, I’m too busy for dating.”

  “You never went to college like you wanted. English Lit. Wasn’t that what you wanted to study. Become a writer?”

  A breeze whipped around them, cooling the perspiration on her neck and bringing the scent of chlorine and the sea. “You remembered.” She could hardly believe it. Especially when she barely remembered that old dream herself. “No time or money for college with a child to raise. Waitressing was the only thing that paid enough for us to live.”

  Daniel sighed. “That one mistake cost you a lot.”

  “Isaac is not a mistake!” She jumped to her feet.

  “Of course not. I didn’t mean…” He stood and touched her arm. “Forgive me, Angel. I didn’t mean it like that. He seems like a wonderful boy.”

  “He is my life.” She stepped away from him, settling her breath. “It’s okay. I guess I’m just sensitive about him.” And protective and fierce and worried all the time.

  “I suppose if I had a kid, I’d feel the same way,” he said, and she knew he meant it. He’d always wanted children. They used to talk about it for hours—their dreams of getting married and having enough kids to form a baseball team. Him pastoring a small church, her writing best-selling novels.